Fourth Industrial Revolution

The Newsy Neighbour Magazine

November Issue 109

www.thenewsyneighbour.com

by Marcy Field

“You say you want a revolution. Well, you know, we all want to change the world.
You tell me that it's evolution. Well, you know, we all want to change the world.”

The Beatles

Since the beginning of time, humanity’s desire to change the world is evident. Sometimes the differences were minor; while, at other times they created major upheaval.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary provides the following definitions for revolution:         

a: a sudden, radical, or complete change

b: a fundamental change in political organization; especially: the overthrow or renunciation of one government or ruler and the substitution of another by the governed

c: activity or movement designed to effect fundamental changes in the socioeconomic situation

d: a fundamental change in the way of thinking about or visualizing something : a change of paradigm

e: a changeover in use or preference especially in technology

All of these apply to the current introduction of the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

A Brief History

Since the appearance of steam powered machinery in the late 18^th century, industrialization propelled civilization forward. The world as people knew it for centuries changed dramatically during the First Industrial Revolution, when machines facilitated the growth of factories and the introduction of manufactured goods. Henry Ford ushered in the Second Industrial Revolution in the early 20th century, when he mastered the moving assembly line and thus began the age of mass production.

The Third Industrial Revolution began in the late 20th century, as manufacturing went digital. Things were made more economically with increased flexibility and lower labour input, thanks to new materials, electronics, IT and automated production.

Now, the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), along with the Internet of Things (IoT) and Internet of Systems (IoS) touches every aspect of our daily lives. Technology is moving from a supporting role to the spotlight. World leaders meet to discuss and prepare for a future of disruptive change. Assumptions about growth models are overturned; the international balance of power frays, and scientific and technological breakthroughs stand poised to transform economies and societies. The velocity and scale of change are unparalleled.

Canada’s Future Role

The World Economic Forum “Future of Jobs” study predicts that 5 million jobs will be lost before 2020 as artificial intelligence, robotics, nanotechnology and other socio-economic factors replace the need for human workers. These factors are implicit in the changes Canadians are experiencing in the job market.

During the Annual Meeting of the New Champions held in China in June 2016, the Honourable Navdeep Singh Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development for Canada participated in a panel discussion on the Impact of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. He spoke of government's ability to convene all major players highlighting the need for government, business and education to collaborate. He believes instead of leading from the top, “during uncertain times leaders need to watch from the background and guide large groups to do interesting and innovative things.” Minister Bains further spoke about innovation becoming ingrained as a core Canadian value. He indicated diversity is at the core of innovation and stated it is one of Canada's strengths, providing the country a competitive advantage.

Increasingly it is difficult to predict what our working futures hold. In light of technological advances, an ageing workforce, and the rise of the sharing economy, new jobs appear as fast as others vanish. Learnability is vital for future employment. Various studies indicate that although technical ability may get you a job, they form only half of the picture. Social skills form the other part of the equation. "Playing well" with others and "being nice" are well known Canadians traits. 

Futurist Alvin Tofler said, “Change is the process whereby the future invades our lives.”

To adapt during change, it is imperative we remain informed to actively position Canada as an innovative leader and develop a workforce that is both knowledgeable and skilled socially. Doing so allows us to continue to “change the world.”